DIARY OF LONDON

IPrivy Seal to prorogue the Parliament, which he did, the
Chancellor being ill and absent. I had not before seen
tids ceremony.

9th March, 1665. I went to receive the poor creatures
tlaat were saved out of the London frigate, blown up by
a.ccident, with above 200 men.

29th March, 1665. Went to Goring House, now Mr.
Secretary Bennet's, ill-built, but the place capable of being
made a pretty villa. His Majesty was now finishing the
Decoy in the Park.

sd April, 1665. Took order about some prisoners sent
from Captain Allen's ship, taken in the Solomon, viz, the
torave men who defended her so gallantly.

5th April, 1665. Was a day of public humiliation and
for success of this terrible war, begun doubtless at secret
instigation of the French to weaken the States and Prot-
estant interest. Prodigious preparations on both sides.
6th April, 1665. In the afternoon, I saw acted *Mus-
tapha^ a tragedy written by the Earl of Orrery.

nth April, 1665. To London, being now left the only
Commissioner to take all necessary orders how to exchange,
remove, and keep prisoners, dispose of hospitals, etc.; the
rest of the Commissioners being gone to their several dis-
tricts, in expectation of a sudden engagement.

19th April, 1665. Invited to a great dinner at the
Trinity House, where I had business with the Commis-
sioners of the Navy, and to receive the second ^S,ooo,
Impressed for the service of the sick and wounded pris-
oners,

2oth April, 1665. To Whitehall, to the King, who called
me into his bedchamber as he was dressing, to whom ,1
sliowed the letter written to me from the Duke of York
from the fleet, giving me notice of young Evertzen, and
some considerable commanders newly taken in fight with
tħie Dartmouth and Diamond frigates, whom he had sent
me as prisoners at war; I went to know of his Majesty
liow he would have me treat them, when he commanded
me to bring the young captain to him, and to take the
word of the Dutch Ambassador (who yet remained here)
for the other, that he should render himself to me when-
ever I called on him, and not stir without leave. Upon
winch I desired more guards, the prison being1 Chelsea
House. I went also to Lord Arlington (the SecretaryRoy le veult, as to public bills,